Hutchison China MediTech (Chi-Med) reported positive data from a first-in-human Phase I trial of HMPL-523, a Syk inhibitor. Syk helps to regulate downstream signaling in immune receptors, including B cell receptors. Chi-Med expects to test the candidate as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and B-cell malignancies. In healthy volunteers, the Phase I trial of HMPL-523 showed the molecule was generally well-tolerated and suppressed B-cell activation in a dose-dependent manner.
